ALGOP welcomes DNC to Birmingham

A DNC sign hangs above a street light in Birmingham, which is hoping to land to convention (Source: WBRC Fox 6)

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WSFA) -

The push to bring the Democratic National Convention to Birmingham is getting support from an unlikely group, the Alabama GOP. But though Alabama Republican Party Chairman Bill Armistead says he welcomes the visit from representatives of the rival political party, the motive is not one of support for opposing ideas, rather the chance to show the stark contrast between the parties.

Alabama, as a whole, votes as a solidly reliable, conservative 'red' state. But Birmingham, with its large minority population, leans more liberal and tends to vote for candidates on the Democratic ticket.

"It is with great pleasure that we welcome the Democrat Party to Alabama to consider Birmingham as the location of their national convention," Armistead said. "I can think of no better way for the citizens of our state to see the vast differences between the parties than to have the Democrats bring their radical leftist show here."

Armistead, reminding voters of the 2012 Democratic Convention, wondered, "...if they try once again to remove God from their platform, right here in the heart of the Bible Belt."

Birmingham is competing with other cities including Columbus, Ohio, New York City, Philadelphia and Phoenix for the distinction of holding the convention. It raised its chances of earning the coveted role when on FridayCleveland, Ohio drop out of the running because it had been chosen as the site of the RNC's convention.